Following increased storm damage to the dunes at Derrynane in recent years, the OPW has been actively monitoring the coastline and has commissioned and undertaken a range of specialist ecological surveys and studies. In 2022, we commenced the Derrynane Coastal Monitoring Project. The main aim of this project is to ensure a collaborative, science-based approach to the management of visitor and climate impacts at Derrynane in partnership with the local community, third-level educational institutions (University of Galway), National Parks and Wildlife Services, and with the input of the OPW’s coastal, flooding and architectural teams. A public workshop was organised in 2022, and a follow up workshop was held recently in October 2025, in conjunction with Lucy Taylor and Streamscapes.
Sand dunes are natural dynamic systems that evolve and change over time through cycles of erosion and accretion (building up). The dune system at Derrynane has all of the components of a healthy dune system, which include a supply of sand (an area that is eroding), new embryonic dunes forming to the front and rear of the beach (accretion), white dunes (mobile sandy dunes with Marram Grass), and fixed dunes (with grass, wildflower habitats and ponds which dry out occasionally). The dunes at Derrynane also have space to change and adapt.
A great deal of research has been undertaken at Derrynane. Between 1915 and 1954, over 200m of new sand dunes naturally developed to the east of the beach, in the location of the Natterjack Toad ponds, and since 1954 this area has been eroding. These ponds were created when Natterjack Toads (originally native to Derrynane) were re-introduced in the early 1990’s. A new Natterjack Toad pond was created by the OPW with NPWS assistance, in 2024, to provide an alternative breeding location for the Natterjack Toads due to the risk of the older ponds being lost to erosion. Unfortunately the area in which the older ponds were located was inundated with seawater on 5th November 2025 during an exceptionally high tide.
The dune habitat at Derrynane is located fully within both the Kenmare River SAC (Special Area for Conservation) and the Iveragh Peninsula SPA (Special Protection Area). Two of the dune habitats in Derrynane are found nowhere else in the SAC and are listed as qualifying interests – these are Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria and Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes). The target for sand dune habitats at Derrynane is that, “there should be no decline or change in the distribution of the sand dune habitats, unless it is the result of natural processes, including erosion, accretion and succession.” The document also states that, “Sand dunes are highly complex, dynamic systems, where habitats occur in a complex and constantly evolving and changing mosaic. They function as systems in terms of geomorphology and hydrology and maintaining the favourable conservation condition of the habitats present depends on allowing these processes to continue unhindered”.
In light of the above, the OPW is exploring and undertaking nature based solutions to enhance the resilience of the dunes at Derrynane. Given the complex nature of Derrynane’s dune system, the introduction of hard protection may cause unintended negative impacts on other parts of the beach.
The OPW will continue to take various measures to benefit and ensure the continued viability of the Natterjack Toad at Derrynane in conjunction with the NPWS. In recent months, chestnut pale fencing has been erected to protect areas of the dunes, trap sand and discourage erosion by visitors. We also introduced more way-marking signage to reduce visitor pressure in the most sensitive parts of the dunes. We held a recent community workshop and are exploring the feasibility and appropriateness of planting of marram grass with the community and the possible introduction of more fencing to trap sand, subject to ecological advice.
Chris O’Neill 07/11/2025
